For the past 10 years The University of Memphis Child CareCenter has provided its services to students. This year the centerreceived the highest rating of three stars from the TennesseeDepartment of Human Services.
"We are a service to student-parents who have small children,"said Margaret Scott, Child Care Center manager.
Either parent can be enrolled in The University to use thefacility while they are at work or school, and a major asset of theprogram is that services can be paid for by the hour, which israre, Scott said.
The facility can hold a maximum of 30 children at a time andpresently has 100 children enrolled.
"It has worked out for me because I have been able to finishpursuing my degree," said Margo Blake, junior journalism major. "Ihave someone to keep my child for an hour or so."
The facility also provides a variety of activities for childrento participate in.
These activities teach the children letters, sounds, colors,shapes and numbers, preparing children, especially 4 year olds, forkindergarten, Scott said. The children also stay active with theplayground and many toys the facility offers.
One thing the center hopes to offer in the future is lunch.
"We would like to see The University provide lunches," Scottsaid. "We're still working on issues with the healthdepartment."
In the summer, Scott said they take the children on field tripson and off campus, including to the Memphis Zoo, The CentralLibrary, the Botanical Gardens, the greenhouse on campus and theIMAX Theatre.
"We do lots of fun activities," Scott said.
Opal Harris, U of M junior management information systems major,said the facility is very convenient and her kids love it.
"They have little dance classes, and they participate in plays,"she said, adding that the workers are also an asset to the center."I like them, they're pretty good, and it helps a lot."
The Child Care Center will hold a graduation for 4 year oldsentering kindergarten May 1 at 2 p.m. in the University Center. Thegraduation will feature songs and performances by all thechildren.
The Child Care Center accepts children from 30 months to 5 yearsor until they enter kindergarten. However, in the evening and inthe summer, they accept children up to age 12. The center is openfrom 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the fall and spring and until 7:30 p.m.in the summer.
The center charges a $30 registration fee for first timeapplicants then $2 per hour for childcare. However, students whoreceive Pell Grants are also eligible for a discount. During thesummer there is a $50 activities fee for field trips and themeweeks.
The Child Care Center will hold open enrollment for the Summerand Fall semesters on Thursday, May 1 from 9-11 a.m. For moreinformation call 678-5059.
